Partners in Care Initiative
Helping Families Navigate Complex Systems
The Partners in Care Initiative supports North Carolina families facing mental health challenges, substance use recovery, or related life disruptions. Many families come to us overwhelmed, unsure where to turn, and struggling to connect with services.
Our team works directly with each family to identify needs, reduce confusion, and build a pathway to support that’s accessible, coordinated, and realistic. Whether it’s finding a therapist, getting help with housing, or understanding how to navigate Medicaid or local services, we walk alongside you.
A Human Approach to Family Support
Warm Connections Instead of Cold Hand-Offs
Partners in Care is not a referral list or a call center. It’s hands-on, relationship-driven help built around your family’s situation. Our services include:
- Listening to your story to understand what you’ve tried and what you need
- Identifying gaps in mental health, substance use, or community support
- Building a care map with clear next steps and realistic expectations
- Following up to ensure services are working—or adjusting if they’re not
- Connecting the dots between health care providers, schools, housing support, and other agencies
We don’t just give you a number to call. We make the call with you—and stay with you through the process.
Designed for Families Under Stress
No Diagnosis Needed—Just a Need for Help
Partners in Care is open to individuals and families across North Carolina who:
- Are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis
- Need help navigating complicated systems of care
- Are falling through the cracks between agencies or programs
- Want to take next steps but don’t know how
You don’t need a specific diagnosis or referral to reach out. If your family is struggling and unsure where to turn, we’re here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers About the Partners in Care Initiative
What is the goal of the Partners in Care Initiative?
The goal of Partners in Care is to help families navigate complex systems when dealing with mental health challenges, substance use recovery, or other life disruptions. Many families don’t know where to start or have tried programs that didn’t work. We provide a relationship-based approach that helps you move forward with clarity and support. Our focus is on connection, not bureaucracy.
Do I need a mental health diagnosis to qualify?
No formal diagnosis is required to access support through Partners in Care. If you or someone in your family is experiencing stress, confusion, or difficulty accessing services, this initiative may be a good fit. We’re here to assist families who are falling through the cracks or feeling overwhelmed. It’s about need—not paperwork.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, there is no cost to families for participating in the Partners in Care Initiative. This program is grant-funded and offered as part of our statewide mission to serve North Carolina families in need. Our goal is to remove barriers, not add to them.
How is this different from a typical referral service?
Unlike traditional referral services that hand you a list of phone numbers, we walk with you through the process. A staff member takes the time to understand your situation and follows up after steps are taken. If something isn’t working, we adjust and try again. Our approach is grounded in relationships, not red tape.
How do I get started?
You can begin by contacting your local First in Families chapter and mentioning the Partners in Care Initiative. If you’re not sure which chapter to call, our main office can direct you to the right team. From there, we’ll schedule time to talk and start developing a care plan tailored to your family’s goals and needs.
